Clarion Announces Exclusive Text-to-Speech Capable Top Social Media Apps for Next GATE In-Vehicle Intelligent Smartphone Controller for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

Tweet4car and FB4car will allow for in-vehicle user interface via Next GATE with Facebook and Twitter

CYPRESS, CA--Aug. 20, 2012: Clarion Corporation of America (CCA) announces the availability of their exclusive FB4car and Tweet4car applications designed for in-vehicle use via the Next GATE that was recently made available to the public. Clarion's Next GATE presents a smarter way to stay connected in your vehicle. The smartphone controller for the iPhone utilizes optimized apps which now make it easier to safely navigate popular social media channels Facebook® and Twitter while in the vehicle.

FB4car and Tweet4car allow the user to view the social media sites in the Next GATE's seven inch screen. When the iPhone is connected to Next GATE in the vehicle, users will even be able to update their status, check-in and reply to Tweets on the go via voice with Nuance's Vlingo© support. The text-to-speech functionality allows users to hear friends' posts and to be able to interface with the social media sites all while keeping their hands on the wheel.

Additionally, the Next GATE integrates DriveSuite4car. This available app enables the user to have more within their reach including VL4car (Voice Launcher), News4car, Weather4car, Calendar4car and Contacts4car. These apps, as announced at launch offer more ways to make the most efficient use of your time while on the go.

Next GATEis easily connected and controls applications residing on the smartphone, allowing for advanced functionality in virtually any vehicle. Bluetooth functionality allows for hands-free calling and enables iPhone features such as voice dialing and voice activation. In addition to Tweet4car and FB4car, other vehicle-friendly app partners include: TuneIn®, Pandora®, Vlingo©, INRIX Traffic, and Odyssey® with a series of more new apps coming soon. Clarion is working with numerous app partners to greatly expand the functionality of Next GATE.

The launch of these two new apps increases the offerings of the NextGATE which continues enhancing the way iPhone users interact while in their vehicles. "The introduction of these exclusive apps displays Clarion's dedication to further enhancing the capability of this revolutionary in-vehicle device," states Frank Pierce, Vice President, Clarion Corporation of America. "We are committed to launching numerous apps near-term to expand functionality, making the user experience in the vehicle seamless and more convenient to keep the focus on driving."

The Next GATE comes equipped with a microSD slot, built-in speaker, blue LED buttons and indicator, auxiliary audio output, built-in microphone, an optional external microphone and a 7-inch digital WVGA touch panel LCD monitor. The Next GATE is compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, has a 12 volt power adapter for easy connection and allows for charging the iPhone while in-use. The system is connected via an easy to set up auxiliary connector while the ClarionSmart Access app manager is a free download on the iTunes® app store.

Clarion Next GATE Features and Benefits:

Controls approved smartphone apps optimized for in-vehicle use
Compatible with Clarion's Smart Access cloud service and app
Leverages application functions such as navigation, internet radio, social networking and voice control/ text readout for select functions
Built-in Bluetooth hands-free interface (HFP)
Music/Audio playback
Built-in microphone and external microphone ready
Compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4
iPhone direct connect and charging capabilities (cable included)
7-inch Digital WVGA Touch Panel LCD Monitor
microSD slot
Built-in speaker
Blue LED buttons and indicator
12 volt power adapter
AUX audio output
360 degree adjustable suction mount

FB4car for Clarion Next GATE Features and Benefits:

Text-to-speech availability for easy in-vehicle use to hear friends' posts
Easy in-vehicle scrolling of News Feed, Messages, Comments and Likes
Supports Check In and Status functions with location information integration

Tweet4car for Clarion Next GATE Features and Benefits:

Text-to-speech availability for easy in-vehicle use (when connected)
Easy pre-set tweets
Supports Retweets, Replies, @ connections, Lists and Favorites features
Integration of location information and images to tweet
Inclusion of tweets to Favorites feature

Clarion's Next GATE is readily available now at Amazon, Best Buy.com and Crutchfield. The suggested retail price is $269.99. To learn more about Next GATE and other innovative products from Clarion, visit Clarion